Transport and Public Works
Question by:
Hon Daylin Mitchell
Answered by:
Hon Bonginkosi Madikizela
Question Number:
17
Question Body:
With reference to the Western Cape Road Traffic Act, 1998 (Act 12 of 1998), and the provincial road traffic regulations:
- Whether he is part of the process to review the Act; if so, (a) what amendments are being considered and (b) why;
- whether further regulations are being contemplated to support a safer road traffic environment in the province; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer Body:
- Yes
- The amendments being considered aim to empower traffic officers and other authorised law enforcement officials to impound motor vehicles for a wider range of transgressions like drag racing on public roads.
- Current legislation only allows for vehicle impoundments in very limited circumstances. These circumstances include, amongst other things, public transport vehicles that are off route, public transport vehicles operating without operating licences, motor vehicles used in the commission of a criminal offence and abandoned vehicles.
The aim of the legislation is to improve road safety throughout the Province by ensuring that drivers are held accountable for their actions on the road. Drivers will risk having their vehicles impounded for more serious transgressions on our roads.
- Further legislation is in the process of being considered. Part of this process includes a range of consultations with stakeholders in the law enforcement environment to determine legislative gaps. The aim is to address those gaps through provincial legislation.
Date:
Friday, February 12, 2021
